lunch

SPRING AWAKENINGS!

Spring has sprung in the Hamptons! After a long and brutal winter, the sun is finally shining, the birds are singing, and the businesses are starting to reopen. From delicious prepared and baked foods to fresh lobster salads and amazing sunsets, there is something for everyone in the Hamptons this season.

Instagram @roundswampfarm

First up, Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton opened its doors on Wednesday. If you’ve never been to Round Swamp Farm, you are in for a treat! This family-owned farm offers a wide variety of insanely good prepared and baked foods, from Lisa’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and RS Ttriple Berry Pie to Mexican layer dip and killer gazpacho (but not Almodovar kind of way ). And don’t forget to try their famous crab cakes, which are to die for!

Next up, Duryea’s Montauk will be opening next week for the season, and lobster salad will be available starting May 11th. This seafood hotspot is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Their lobster salad is the stuff of legend, and the views of the water from their outdoor deck are simply breathtaking.

If you’re in the mood for a lobster roll, head over to Lunch in Amagansett. They started serving up their delicious lobster rolls last week, and they are definitely worth the trip. Made with fresh, local ingredients, these rolls are the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring.

For amazing sunsets and great food, make sure to check out Beacon Sag Harbor, starting May 17th. This waterfront restaurant is one of the best places to catch a sunset in the Hamptons, and their menu is full of delicious, locally-sourced dishes.

Opening tonight, the team behind Sí Sí in East Hampton, Enchanté channels the charm of a Parisian brasseries with a relaxed atmosphere. Located at the former location of Red Bar in Southampton, the renovated restaurant has been given a total overhaul with a rich european flair. For menus and reservasations you can click here.

And finally, for another amazing sunset hot spot in East Hampton, head over to Bostwicks on the Harbor, which opened its doors tonight at 5:30 pm. This seafood shack is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day, with stunning views of the harbor and some of the freshest seafood around.

Instagram @curatedfinemeats

Finally, get ready to meat your new butcher! Justin Aronoff, founder of Center Cuts, is opening a high-end gourmet food store in Wainscott called “Curated Fine Meats”. This jewel box of a store which looks more like Tiffany than a butcher shop features refrigerated cases built into the walls and a “jewel” case showcasing the finest Wagyu and dry-aged beef. All of their hand-selected, curated meats will come vacuum-sealed and ready to go. And it’s not just meat they’re offering – Curated Fine Meats will also carry a full array of quality sauces and marinades from local and regional culinary businesses. Don’t miss their grand opening on May 13th – it’s sure to be a rare and well-done event!

So there you have it, folks! Spring has arrived in the Hamptons, and the businesses are starting to reopen. Whether you’re in the mood for Wagyu , fresh seafood, decadent baked goods, or simply an amazing sunset, there is something for everyone on the East End.

LIFE IS A CABERNET! PLUS BEFORE THE CROWDS, 5 IDEAS FOR ENJOYING THE HAMPTONS.

WILL THE NEXT RESTAURANT ENTER AND SIGN IN PLEASE!

Sag Harbor get ready to raise your glass! Although, I have no doubt it will be a costly one. Vin Sur Vingt, one of the best wine and cheese bars in NYC according to CBS News Online (which is kind of like Bon Appetite but it’s online and it’s from CBS News) is coming soon to 29 Main Street. With several NYC outlets and one in D.C., the wine bar is said to be opening sometime this spring. After some minor renovations the merlot and chablis will be flowing at the former site of Montauk Lobster Company, Wolffer Kitchen, and a few others I can’t even remember. After perusing their website we can expect an experience a tad different from Murph’s as their menu features light dishes like charcuterie boards, pizzas, tartines and other bistro-inspired bites. The Hamptons has been missing out on a traditional wine bar so fingers crossed that Vin Sur Vingt has the right tannins. If it’s a hit, we can skip tipping the box of wine and Ritz Crackers for a nice night out.

@windycity_Pizza on Twitter

So here we are it’s April and it’s only a matter of weeks before we will be at full tilt here on the East End. That means the warm breezes, brilliant sun and bumper to bumper traffic will all soon be the norm. But before things get too crazy, now is the perfect time to enjoy the Hamptons and a few of the best things that life or at least Long Island has to offer.

Spa Day at Gurneys – it’s like a mini vacation. Have a work out followed by a massage, sauna, swim and a lunch overlooking the water. What could be better? Go Monday through Thursday and even save a few bucks. If you want more information; click here.

The dining room at Leon 1909

Try Some New Food – Two new eateries opened since last summer and both will no doubt have a hefty waiting list this summer. My favorite of the two is Leon 1909 on Shelter Island. A cool setting, top notch service, interesting menu and most importantly some really good food. The other is The Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn of Hampton Bays. A major renovation of the once hopping hot spot has created a stunning yet casual experience. The service is great as are the appetizers. The main courses were a little sub-par (we had the chicken and the poached black bass) but it was overall an enjoyable evening. I expect both joints to be packed by Memorial Day.

Trivia Night at Town Line – Gather your smartest friends and head to Townline BBQ every Thursday night at 7p in Wainscott, although I suggest getting there much earlier. There, you can put your knowledge to the test with 6 rounds of trivia based on various themes – from current events, pop culture and even song clips! A $10 entry fee per person gets pooled together so that 1st place will take home 60% of it, 2nd place 30%, 3rd 10%. Plus there’s an added bonus: whoever wins big throughout the season-long competition walks away with The Golden Pig trophy at Memorial Day weekend! Apparently smart folks take the summer off as that is the final weekend till fall.

Live Music and Wine Tasting at Wolffer Vineyards – Come out and experience a cozy night of music and wine at the beautiful Wölffer Estate Vineyard tasting room! Every Friday starting at 4:30 you’ll be able to listen to talented local musicians as you sip on their new releases for this winter. Indulge in seasonal pairings, delicious wines & ciders, speciality cocktails – all while relaxing with friends around candlelight tables. Reserve your spot now before it’s too late! Click here for more details about each week’s musical performance lineup.

Go RIde a Bike – With summer on the horizon, it’s time to get out and explore the beauty of The Hamptons! A few years ago Curbed.com did us all a huge favor by putting together five stunning bike tours for the area – so why not hop on your two-wheeler before Mr & Mrs Magoo take over our roads. Enjoy some fresh air and amazing scenery as you make your way through these picturesque routes – click here to see where they recommend taking in all this lushness that makes living (and biking!) in The Hamptons unforgettable. Click here for the details.

Hello Strangers!

It’s been a few weeks/months/days since I visited my favorite Hamptons blog. Yes, this blog is now reminding me of the new “Sex and the City.” It’s past its prime and we’re not sure if anybody is really clamoring for more. So much as happened since I posted last. About 70% of the Covid Campers have left. 27 is no longer a parking lot. Babette’s in East Hampton closed. It’s allegedly soon to be occupied by Saint Ambrose. Mary’s Marvelous in East Hampton is closed. Hampton Chutney is going in the old Mary’s location and Bamboo Sushi is allegedly going in next door.

NOW IN SOUTHAMPTON!

So now that we got out of the way, let’s discuss what’s new. Everyone is talking about squatters in the Hamptons. A NY Post article highlighted one particular situation where the fed up landlord started a “squatters database.” The new SQUATTER RREGISTRY is up and running with tales of tenants milking the current NY State eviction moratorium. But either way I’m not getting involved but the signs all over town warning of the guy discussed in the article above are hilarious and apparently effective.

Now for some good news, Lobster Roll has finally opened in the former location of Princess diner. I’m glad that the location is no longer empty and finally there’s a good pit stop for those coming into town. Is it Ironic that one of the most calorically laden meals is now available next door to Barry’s Bootcamp? If you’re curious about the new menu in Southampton you can click here.

Speaking of Southampton activities, tomorrow is the 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge. Yep for those of you who take joy in goosebumps and shrinkage this is the event for you! Benefitting the Heart of the Hamptons, the plunge will take place rain or shine and will benefit local families with food and services. If you want to register and participate be shore or sure to click here. If you’re curious what a Polar Bear Plunge looks like, look no further than the East Hampton New Years Plunge from a few years ago. I’m the guy in the parka taking the video and not jumping in frigid waters. It ain’t my thang.

The birthplace of Hannibal Lechter? Plus, where would he go for lunch?!

 

Pass the fava beans!!! It’s Hannibel’s house!

 

We all know that Sag Harbor has been a haven for artists and writers of all types for years.  John Steinbeck, E.L. Doctrow and the late great Spaulding Gray have all found their inspiration among the waters of the fair Harbor and the stale beer of Murph’s.  Well, maybe Steinbeck never went to Murph’s but I bet he would have loved it!    But I digress… so, I learned something new the other day when talking to a friend of mine in Hamptons.  The house is located on Jermain Avenue in Sag Harbor and to be honest,  I fail to see how this sweet property could have ever been the birth place of the red wine swilling cannibal known as Hannibal Lechter.   The house is currently on the market for a little under  $1.5 million dollars and listed with Gioia DiPaolo of Douglas Elliman in Sag Harbor.    You can see the listing here…. and yes it’s walking distance to Murph’s!  That alone makes it worth more than the asking price!!  So make and offer and tell them I sent you… and who knows if you buy it, maybe you too can be inspired to write one of the most frightening best sellers of all time!!

our Sag Harbor office.

Sidewalk dining at Madison and Main

So speaking of Sag Harbor and dining but not the cannibalistic kind; the town was recently voted one of the friendliest places in the country.   But now I think it deserves another honor.  I’m declaring Sag Harbor the “Lunch Capital of the Hamptons.”   Sure, there are plenty of restaurants in the Hamptons but where can you go to have a good lunch (especially during the week)?   With the recent addition of Madison and Main, Sag Harbor is by a long shot the best place for the mid day meals.     While East Hampton has Ralph Lauren and Bridgehampton has real estate offices, the Harbor has more eating restaurants per foot than any other town.   It’s also the only one where you can dine out doors without breathing in the exhaust from Rt. 27.   Let’s think about this, you have the American Hotel (I suggest The Cobb salad), LT Burger (I recommend the fries and turkey burgers), Dockside (the tuna wrap), Madison and Main (tuna tacos), Bay Burger (the burger duh) and Page (you’re on your own) all with open air dining.     So why am I writing this?  Well because when you have your weekend guests and you want to get them out of the house for some privacy Saturday afternoon, send them to Sag.  See this blog is good for something!